Rancho San Julian

November 9, 2012

On a cattle ranch in the santa Ynez foothills, a family holds fast to the land and the bounty it gives. From the November 2012 article California Eternal by Georgia Freedman.

Grilled Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Fresh heads of romaine lettuce are split down the middle, grilled until charred and smoky, and then topped with blue cheese and bacon. See the recipe for Grilled Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon »Penny De Los Santos

Grilled Tri-Tip Tacos

Tri-tip steak, also called Newport, Santa Maria, or triangle steak, comes from the lean bottom sirloin. Here it's sliced and seasoned with rosemary, chiles, garlic, and cumin in a tender filling for tacos. See the recipe for Grilled Tri-Tip Tacos »Penny De Los Santos

Apricot Tarts with Pistachios

Lightly sweetened apricots are baked quickly in a simple shortbread crust for these rustic tarts, which are garnished with vibrant green pistachios and fleur de sel. See the recipe for Apricot Tarts with Pistachios »Penny De Los Santos

Beef Brisket and Picadillo-Stuffed Empanadas

Tender, braised beef brisket is combined with raisins, sherry, pine nuts, and spicy chile powder in the fragrant filling for these sugar-dusted, savory-sweet empanadas. See the recipe for Beef Brisket and Picadillo-Stuffed Empanadas »Penny De Los Santos

Stewed Beans

Lompoc, California, home cook Juliana Fabio includes kidney beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas in this tomato-based, delicately-spicy side dish. See the recipe for Stewed Beans »Penny De Los Santos

Onion and Olive Enchiladas

Anaheim and pasilla chiles combine in a pureed sauce for these Cal-Mex-style enchiladas, filled with cotija cheese and black olives. See the recipe for Onion and Olive Enchiladas »Penny De Los Santos
At Rancho San Julian in Lompoc, California, the author partakes in a meal with the extended Poett family and friends.Penny De Los Santos
At Rancho San Julian, neighbor Chris Malloy transports a table for the Poetts' alfresco dinner with the help of his young son, Lucas.Penny De Los Santos
Elizabeth Poett and her dog, Ella, ride in the back of her father's pickup truck in the La Cadena section of Rancho San Julian. Behind her is a ribbon of California's Highway 1.Penny De Los Santos
Poblano peppers, charred for tacos.Penny De Los Santos
Elizabeth Poett and her father, Jim, share a laugh on the porch of her ranch-style house.Penny De Los Santos

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